Space Tower set to come crashing back to earth

The Polo Tower – which started life as the Space Tower at the Pleasure Beach – is finally being brought down to earth.

Work to demolish the structure, which was moved from Blackpool to Morecambe in the 1990s, will begin on June 5, developers Opus North confirmed.

The Space Tower was built at Blackpool Pleasure Beach in 1974.

It took just nine months to construct and was opened by the Mayor of Blackpool.

Passengers entered at ground level through a ‘base station’ that encircled the foot of the tower.

As the viewing platform climbed the 48ft high tower, riders were treated to a guided commentary, describing the views of the resort and beyond.

The tower was moved in 1993 to make way for the Big One rollercoaster .

It was reconstructed at the Pleasure Beach’s sister-park, Frontierland in Morecambe as part of a half a million pound investment.

It was originally a revolving ride offering spectacular views over Morecambe Bay.

The park was closed in 1998 with the majority of rides and attractions torn down.

However the tower has remained standing on the seafront unused – other than for a telecommunications mast – for almost 20 years.

Residents have, in recent years, become increasingly concerned about the safety of the structure/

The demolition announcement came after residents living near the Frontierland site received letters telling them work was imminent.

The demolition is likely to pave the way for work to begin on a £17m shopping park on the abandoned fairground site.

The demolition is due to last three weeks.